A community that commands confidence – yes, you want to be part of that!
Confidence is an attribute that companies want their employees to have. Confidence is also an element that is required in business. Confidence is something we cannot just disregard. It is something we need to build, develop and enhance.
But developing confidence can be challenging if it is only you who is working for your confidence project. You need a community – a community of confidence.
A community of confidence (in my book) is a group of people who are supporting each other and challenging each other to become better in their fields.
One example of a community of confidence that I am part of is Toastmasters. I joined one in Makati in 2010 and it is one of the life-changing decisions I’ve made. My fellow Toastmasters has been so supportive and helpful in my growth to become more confident in the area of communication particularly in public speaking.
It is so worthwhile that when I moved back here in Benguet, I looked for a club here in Baguio City. In 2015, I joined Pines City Toastmasters Club (meeting on the 1st, 3rd, and 5th Fridays, 6:30pm at McDonald’s Insular). The community is different but the fun, friendly and fruitful environment is also there in Baguio’s best version. I loved it!
There’s even a bonus because as a Toastmaster, I am given the opportunity and privilege to visit or get invited to guest in other clubs. Here in the City, I have been with other clubs like Baguio Funshine Toastmasters Club, Baguio Ecozone Toastmasters Club and Synergy Toastmasters Club. And get this: If I will be somewhere anywhere in the Philippines or in the world, as long as there is a Toastmasters Club there, I can visit any as long as I will communicate with them and if schedule permits. You too can do this!
It is a small community of confidence that I get to join in every club meeting. And it is also a big community of confidence as I join contests and conferences in the country or maybe even outside the continent (in the future).
If you are looking for a community of confidence in the area of communication and leadership, Toastmasters should be on your list. (Visit www.pinescity.toastmastersclubs.org for more info.)
Another example of a community of confidence is The Feast, a weekly gathering or prayer meeting of the Light of Jesus Family led by Bo Sanchez. When I was working in Makati, I get to attend the one he leads in PICC (now called Feast Bay Area; it is by the bay or near Manila Bay in Pasay City). In his talks, I get tons of wisdom and inspiration that helped me gain more confidence consciousness in the different areas of life: spirituality, finances, leadership, career, business.
What’s beautiful about it is that there is also like a network of Feasts all over the world. In Baguio, there is one – a different version – which is called Feast Video Baguio. There is a live music and sharing. A video of Bo’s powerful talk will be played on the big screen while you enjoy the warmth and energy of a friendly community. At present, Feast Video Baguio sessions are held every Friday, 6:30pm at El Cielito Inn.
If you are looking for a community of confidence that is going to help you spiritually and in other practical areas of life, include the Feast on your list. (Visit www.fb.com/feastbaguio for more info.)
Or find one that suits your inclination, style and preference.
The two examples I have above are simply suggestions that you may consider. You can find other communities of confidence. There may be something there that you will find and it will nourish your needs. The point here is that you have to have one. You need to be part of a community of confidence.
You are a social being. And to bring out your potential as an individual, you need to belong to a community. What will help you bring that out is a community of confidence. Find one and exude that confidence that you have inside.
(Chris Dao-anis, CPA, ACG, ALB is a speaker and trainer on communication, confidence building, and personal leadership. His latest book ‘Living Large in the Little Things’ is available at Mt. Cloud Bookshop, Casa Vallejo, Upper Session Road, Baguio City. For talks and trainings, you may email him at chrisdaoanis@gmail.com or visit his website at www.chrispoweracademy.com.)
